Famous Monuments Of Eastern India- Location and History

Famous Monuments of Eastern India: The country of India is home to numerous monuments. Built by the kings of different dynasties, these monuments still hold significance. We study their history and architecture and get inspired. It is almost impossible to read know about all the Indian monuments in one place. So, in this article, we will talk specifically about the Famous Monuments Of Eastern India. Eastern India includes the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal. We will talk about famous monuments like the Sun Temple, the Sher Shah Suri Tomb, and more.

“Monuments are the grappling irons that bind one generation to another”

Joseph Joubert

Famous Monuments in East India

Monument	Location
Konark Sun Temple	Odisha
Cooch Behar Palace	West Bengal
Ancient Site of Vikramshila	Bihar
Hazarduari Palace	West Bengal
Sher Shah Suri Tomb	Bihar
Rajarani Temple	Odisha
Glorius Dead Monument	Kolkata
Metcalfe Hall	Kolkata
Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves	Odisha

1. Sun Temple

Located in the city of Odisha, the Konark Sun Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was built in the 13th century. King Narasimha Deva I built it in 1244 to worship the Sun God. Hence the name ‘Sun Temple’. According to the religious texts, Konark is the seat of Sun God Surya. This is why it was chosen as the location of the Konark Sun Temple. The temple is built as a chariot on which sat the Sun God. There are 24 wheels to it. It is one of the most famous monuments of East India

2. Cooch Behar Palace

Also called the Victor Jubilee Palace, the Cooch Behar Palace was built in 1887 when the Koch dynasty ruled this country. The inspiration for this Palace was London’s Buckingham Palace. It is a great tourist attraction for its elegance. The Palace has verandahs, Durbar Hall, Library, Ladies Gallery, and Corinthian columns. Originally there were three stories but the 1897 Assam earthquake rendered it to be a double-story Palace. The Cooch Behar Palace is Cooch Behar city’s landmark. If you visit West Bengal, you must take a look at it. 

3. Ancient Site of Vikramshila

The Ancient Site of Vikramshila is located in Bihar. It was a Buddhist monastery. Scholars like Atisha Dipankara were given by the Vikramshila monastery. The Pala emperor established Vikramshila. It was destroyed by Muhammad bin Bakstiyar Khilji in around 1193. Now, only the ruins are left. Still, this site is of historical importance which is why it is included in the famous monuments in East India.

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4. Hazarduari Palace

Previously known as the Bara Kothi, the Hazarduari Palace is a magnificent Palace located in the state of West Bengal. It was built when Nawab Nazim Humayun Jah ruled Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. The Archaeological Survey of India took over the Palace in 1985. In the lawns of Hazarduari Palace is situated a canon called Bacchwali Tope. Opposite to the west gate of the palace is the Zurud Mosque. The hall of the palace is embellished with a crystal chandelier.

5. Sher Shah Suri Tomb

In the Sasaram town of Bihar is the historical Sher Shah Suri Tomb. As the name suggests, it was built after the death of Emperor Sher Shah Suri the founder of the Suri Empire. It is made of red sandstone and is 122 ft tall. The tomb represents Indo-Islamic architecture. Sometimes referred to as the second Taj Mahal of India, it is located at the center of an artificial lake. 

6. Rajarani Temple

The Rajarani Temple is an 11th-century temple in Odisha. Every year from 18 to 20 January, a Rajrani music festival is organized here by the Department of Tourism of the Government of Odisha. Hindustani, Carnatic, and Odissi tunes are heard everywhere in the temple during the festival. The architecture of the temple is a Kalingan architecture. 

7. Glorius Dead Monument

Built in the memories of people who died but have their remains somewhere else, the Glorious Dead Monument is situated in Calcutta. Herbert William Palliser designed it in the year 1924. It resembles the Cenotaph of London which was built in the memory of soldiers of World War 1. The Glorious Dead Monument is for the Calcutta British and Anglo Indians who died for King and Country between 1914 and 1918. There are also Roman Numerical MCMXIV and MCMXVIII inscribed on it to represent the years. It is called the memorial of unknown soldiers as there are no names mentioned. Although, there was once a time when plaques of the honorable soldiers were there. They were removed in 1959 to St. John’s Church.

8. Metcalfe Hall

At the junction of Strand Road and Hare Street stands the Metcalfe hall. It is a heritage building built in neoclassical style in 1844. The name is after Sir Charles T. Metcalfe. The purpose behind its construction was to honor Sir Charles T. Metcalfe for his efforts towards free press. There are 30 huge Corinthian pillars that support the Metcalfe Hall. Opposite the Hall is the Hooghly river. The building shows resemblance to the Ancient Greek temples. It is one of the Great Monuments of East India. 

9. Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves

The Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves are partly natural and partly artificial caves. Earlier called Kattaka Caves or Cuttack caves, these are located in Odisha. They are in fact situated on two hills. The Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are mentioned in the list of ‘Must See’ Indian Heritage by the Archaeological Survey of India. There are 18 caves at Udayagiri and 15 at Khandagiri. Some of the names are- Rani Gupha (Cave of the Queen), Bajaghara Gupha, Chota Hathi Gupha, Alakapuri Gupha, Tata Gupha, etc.

Thank you for reading this. These were the Great Monuments of East India and their importance. We hope you enjoyed this.

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